Research in Medicine
Year:2019 | Volume:42 | Issue:4|Papers Count:10

Background: Sesame oil has anti-candidiasis therapeutic effects. Due to hydrophobic property of oils, their solubility in aqueous media is low which causes their low absorption and impact on the reduction of microbe compactness in the body. The aim of the present study was preparation of a mixture containing sesame oil and honey based on microemulsion form. Materials and Methods: An experimental study was conducted. Tween 80 as surfactant and honey as co-surfactant with various proportions of surfactant/co-surfactant as 4: 1, 2: 1, and 5: 1 were selected to plot pseudo ternary phase diagram. Microemulsion preparation was performed based on the titration method. An in vivo study was performed on 12 BALB/C mice which were divided into two groups. Each group had six mice as the control group and drug consumer group (microemulsion including honey and sesame oil). Results: Physicochemical properties of the microemulsion samples showed that the mean particle size is in the range of 24. 09-16. 62 nm with a homogeny particle size distribution between 0. 33-0. 28. Zeta potential was in the range of 16. 5-10. 3-and refractive indices and conductivity coefficient were about 1. 39 and 279-249 μ S, respectively. These results confirm the formation of oil in water microemulsion due to calculated refractive indices near water value, higher value of conductivity coefficient, and small particle size. Stability test during time showed that samples with 2: 1 surfactant to co-surfactant ratio were not stable after two months. Samples with 4: 1 surfactant/co-surfactant ratio were selected for in vivo evaluation due to higher stability and oil content. Conclusion: It seems that using emulsion is effective in contamination with fungi in blood culture and increased peritoneal macrophages in mice.

Backgrond: Obesity is associated with increased risk of many diseases. Methylation is an important factor in obesity, indicating epigenetic changes. However, there is lack of data about PGC-1α methylation and regular exercise. The purpose of the present study was to determine effects of a six-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program on PGC-1α methylation in gastrocnemius muscle of obese male rats. Methods: In an experimental study, 24 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (six rats each): control healthy, trained healthy, control obese, and trained obese. Healthy group consumed normal diet and obese group consumed high-fat diet for six weeks. The trained healthy and trained obese performed swimming HIIT for six weeks. Then, 24 hours after the last session of training, gastrocnemius muscles of control and trained rats were extracted and then afterwards PGC-1α methylation was assayed. To analyze the data, paired sample t-test and one-way analysis of variance were used. Results: After six weeks, body weight of trained obese group, compared with control obese, decreased significantly (P=0. 021). In addition, after six-week HIIT, PGC-1α methylation of healthy (P=0. 010) and obese group (P=0. 037), compared with their control group, decreased significantly. Conclusion: It appears that six weeks of swimming HIIT can be effective on obesity state and significantly reduce PGC-1α methylation in gastrocnemius muscle of obese male rats.

Background: The chitinase-like protein, YKL-40, plays an important role in allergic diseases pathogenesis. Allergens induce its production from macrophages and epithelial cells. Some investigations indicated that loratadine has anti-inflammatory effects apart from its H1 receptors antagonist activity. We made an attempt to know whether human epithelial cells and macrophages stimulated for YKL-40 synthesis by house dust mite (HDM) extract might be influenced by loratadine. We used the human pulmonary type II epithelial cell line A549 and the human monocytic cell line (THP-1) for our in vitro study. Materials and method: In the present experimental study, after dose-finding studies using neutral red cytotoxicity assay, the cells were pre-incubated with loratadine (0. 5 μ g/ml) and then stimulated using HDM extract (GREER Lab). Also, in post-treatment condition, A549 and THP1-cells were stimulated with HDM extract followed by incubation with loratadine. Finally, the amount of YKL-40 released into the cell supernatants was determined using a specific ELISA. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, v. 16. Results: A549 cells cannot produce and secrete YKL-40 at baseline level or in HDM stimulated condition. In spite of A549, THP-1 cells stimulated with HDM extract showed a significantly increased release of YKL-40. In comparison with control cells, Pre-incubation with loratadine diminished the YKL-40 release from the HDM stimulated THP1-cells in a significant manner. The YKL40-level in loratadine group was 4470 pg/ml while it was 8700 pg/ml in the control group (P≤ 0. 05). Although in HDM pretreated cells followed by incubation with loratadine YKL-40, no decrease was found. The Neutral Red Assay results represented nontoxicity of treatments. Conclusions: A549 cells that are used widely in in-vitro models of allergic reactions cannot produce YKL-40 as a mediator of allergic reactions. Therefore, this cell line should not be used alone in these studies. Loratadine may have anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing YKL-40 secretion from myeloid cells. As for the ability of loratadine to attenuate YKL-40, we suggest that further studies are warranted to examine its therapeutic potential in diseases that YKL-40 plays a critical role in the pathogenesis.

Backgroundm: Lung cancer is a disease that affects lung tissue cells. It is a common cancer in the world and is one of the most fatal cancers. Molecular variations of genes have a significant effect on the progression of the disease and blockage. These pathways can improve the treatment process. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the modifications of the promoter methylation of JAK2 / STAT3 signaling pathways and the level of expression of these genes at the level of mRNA, which has not been studied in lung cancer in Iran. Materials and Methods: In the current case control study, 75 samples of parathyroid cancer were collected and tumor margins were selected as control samples. Samples were collected from Imam Ali Hospital in Zahedan between April-December 1995. Initially, de-paraffinization was performed, and then DNA and RNA were extracted for further investigation Findings: The results of the study indicated that there is a risk of lung cancer between the status of the promoter’ s methylation of both JAK2 and STAT3 genes [OR = 7. 15; p = 0. 001]. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to show the association among the promoter of hypermethylation of the JAK2 / STAT3 gene, the reduction of JAK2 expression, and an increased risk of lung cancer.

Background: Burn gives rise to a high mortality and socio-economic burdens. The present study aimed to assesses epidemiological characteristics of burn patients and their relationship with mortality caused by burn in Imam Musa Kazim Hospital, Isfahan, Iran During a 4-year period. Materials and Methods: The current descriptive-analytic study was performed using data from all burned patients hospitalized in Imam Musa Kazem Hospital in Isfahan during 4 years between 2014-2017. The data used for the burn patients records and the HIS system were collected, prepared, and analyzed in two descriptive and inferential analyses. Results: Of the 3, 290 burn patients, 22. 49% died. The highest number of burns occurred in 2014 (27. 08%) in 26-40 year-old (33. 59%), married (49. 91%), illiterate (30. 42%), low income (48. 63%), unemployed (34. 66%), and Shia (98. 24%) men (67. 29%) patients. Moreover, most of patients came from cities from the other provinces (42. 1%), lived in urban areas (54. 59%), had social security insurance (41. 52%), and third degree burns (98. 33%), burnt at home (70. 09%), and the total body surface area burned (TBSA) was ≤ 30% (49. 76%). The correlation of all variables with mortality caused by burn were statistically significant (P<0. 001) except for years of admission (P= 0. 784) and religion (P= 0. 516). Conclusion: The burning and the mortality caused by burn, in addition to healthcare and medicine aspects, is a social phenomenon. Therefore, the recognition of social factors as the causes behind the causes of burns can lead to the appropriate and effective policies aimed to reduce burns and related mortalities.

Background: Despite previously shown relationship between the aortic atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease, the relationship between aortic distensibility and the presence, extent, and composition of thoracic aortic plaques (TAP) is not widely assessed. In the current study, we evaluated the relationship between aortic distensibility and the presence, extent, and composition of TAP. Materials and Methods: Descriptive ECG-gated coronary multi-slice CT was performed on 150 participants (75 with and 75 without TAP; mean age: 59. 0 ± 13. 5 years; 54. 7% female) using two 64-slice and a dualsource 256-slice scanners. Aortic distensibility index (ADI) was measured at local TAP (L-ADI) and predefined locations including ascending aorta (A-ADI), proximal (PD-ADI), and distal descending aorta (DD-ADI). Total ADI (T-ADI) was the mean of predefined locations. Pearson’ s and Spearman’ s correlation tests and multivariate logistic regression were used to examine the association between study meas ures. Results: All ADIs of the patients with calcified TAP were significantly lower than those with non-calcified or without TAP (p<0. 0001). All ADIs, except for L-ADI, of the patients with coronary plaque were significantly lower than those without coronary plaque (p<0. 0001). In the multivariate analysis adjusted for age, gender, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, and cigarette smoking, presence of TAP, particularly calcified TAP, was independently correlated with ADI. Conclusion: A less distensible thoracic aorta is associated with calcified aortic and coronary plaques. Aortic plaque is an independent predictor of the stiffer aorta.

Background: Psychological responses and physical injuries can occur in stressful workplace environments for rescue workers or rescue teams. Two groups of firefighters from various stations and the journalists covering the news of the catastrophic incident of fire in the old Plasco Trade Center in Tehran, were continuously active in the aftermath of the terrible incidence. The purpose of the present study was to assess the incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and acute respiratory symptoms among firefighters and journalists stationed at the scene of this fire. Materials and method: The study followed a descriptive design. Data collection was performed by setting up two health checklists: a questionnaire of the health and respiratory symptoms and Watson’ s test for PTSD evaluation. A total of 102 participants enrolled in the study: 44 firefighters and 58 journalists. The Watson questionnaire is a semi-structured interview test that examines post-traumatic stress disorder and is completed as self-declaration. Validity and reliability of the test were reported as alpha = 0. 92 and r = 0. 95, respectively. Furthermore, the diagnostic agreement of the questionnaire was found to be 0. 85 and the reliability coefficient of Cronbach’ s alpha was calculated to be 0. 86 in Iran. Non-parametric Man Withney test was performed to compare the means of the two groups after categorizing the results. Results: It was found that 81% of all volunteers had multiple degrees of PTSD according to the Watson’ s test. Both groups had a moderate degree of PTSD intensity and only 4% of the focus population expressed fatigue. Also, 99% of the participants complained about acute respiratory system symptoms. The most common symptoms were cough (61%), sputum (47%), and dyspnea (43%), respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was remarkable among Iranian firefighters and journalists at the accident of the Plasco Trade Center. The results of the study indicated that the detected PTSD reveals the presence of a disease that is related to the past of the volunteers but reflected at the time and place of the accident. It is recommended that the priority should be considered for diagnosis and treatment of the rescue teams members as the first line facing unexpected events. They are targeted individuals who are exposed to serious physical and psychological vulnerabilities.

Background: : Therapies for many diseases especially cancers have been improved significantly in the recent year, so there have been an increased number of patients who do not experience mortality. In the analysis of these diseases, cure models are used instead of usual survival models. Weibull model and its generalized version, beta Weibull Poisson (BWP), are flexible models in cure models and are used in the present study to analyze breast cancer patients data. Materials and Methods: The data of the present descriptive study are from patients with breast cancer, who referred to Motamed Cancer Institute in Tehran during 1997-2006 and were followed from 2013 to 2017. A total of 270 patients were randomly selected and their individual characteristics were registered. The data were analyzed using Stata 12 and R3. 4. 1 softwares with the the significance level set at 0. 05. Results: The results showed that 43 (15. 9%) of patients deaths occurred after treatment. The rate of cure after one, three, and five years were found to be 0. 99, 0. 87, and 0. 83 respectively. The results of the current study showed that PBW Non-Mixture Cure Model (AIC=427) has better fit compared with weibull (AIC=593). Based on this model, variables of tumor size greater than 5 (P<0. 001) and tumor grade 3 (P<0. 001) are factors affecting patients cured. Also, the cure rate was estimated to be 80%. Conclusion: By studying the effects of factors affecting the occurrence of death, considering the unknown number of causes and using BWP models, the cancer trend can better be analyzed and more accurate information can be available for researchers.

Background: Gastric carcinoma is one of the most abundant and malignant cancers, and early diagnosis of the disease is very effective in the treatment method and survival rate. During the recent years, several genes, such as HER-2, which are likely to be associated with prognosis and prevalence of HER-2 in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma, who gastrectomized and survived, have been raised. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association and frequency of HER-2 gene expression in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma. Materials and Methods: A total of 103 specimens were selected and then the prepared slides were stained by immunohistochemistry and microscopy was used for color variation. The helicobacter counts were evaluated based on the Gimsa test and SPSS was used for data analysis. Results: Based on the findings, 34% of HER-2 patients were positive, but 66% did not have this marker. There was no gender or age prevalence in the occurrence of this marker. Also, no correlation was observed between histology grade, increased stage of disease, involvement of lymph nodes, and increased HER-2 incidence in stomach adenocarcinoma patients. Conclusion: The findings of the present study showed a relatively high frequency of HER-2 protein expression in patients with adenocarcinoma of the stomach, but no significant correlation was observed between the variables studied.

Background: Stomach cancer is one of the most common cancers after lung cancer and the second cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Changes in the expression level of genes are one of the most important factors in cancers. Among them p53 and MICAL-2 were found to have changes in their expression levels. P53 gene plays an important role as a tumor suppressor along with regulating the cell cycle. MICAL-2 encodes monooxygenase which raises F-actin depolymerization. Increased expression of this gene involves the conversion of mesenchymal cells to epithelial which has been associated with metastasis. Considering that the MICAL-2 gene had not previously been studied with P53 gene at the same time in gastric cancer, the present study was conducted to evaluate the expression level of P53 and MICAL-2 genes in stomach cancer patients in Kerman. Materials and Methods: A case-control study was designed to determine the changes in the expression level of P53 and MICAL-2 genes. A total of 30 tumor tissues and marginal non-tumor control tissues were obtained from patients. Total mRNA of the samples was extracted, and then, after cDNA synthesis, Real Time RT-qPCR, PCR-SSCP, and sequencing were performed to measure the gene expressions. T-test and ANOVA were used for data analysis. Results: The expression levels of p53 gene were 0. 38 and 0. 47 in cancerous tissues whereas they were 2. 04 and 3. 11 in normal tissues for exon 6 and 7, respectively. But the results indicated that exons 4 and 5 were not statistically different in normal and cancerous tissues. For MICAL-2, the expression level in tumor had a 2. 2-fold increase in comparison with normal tissues. Therefore, it was found that the expression levels of p53 and MICAL-2 genes were significantly higher in tumor tissues compared to those from normal tissues (P<0. 05). On the other hand, sequencing results demonstrated missense and deletion mutations in exon 4. Conclusion: Considering the changes in the expression of P53 and MICAL2 genes in gastric cancer, changes in the expression of the genes can be used as biomarker in individuals with family history of this problem, because diagnosis of cancer in the early stages can definitely result in better response to therapies.